Japan-Only STI A-Line

[Rudukai13]

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/automatic-equipped-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-a-line-available-in-ja/

An STI with paddle shifters-yay or nay?

[sfg1mike]

I guess if there is a demand for a STi with paddle shifters then hey more power to them. As long as they don't go the way of Mercedes and make all their cars as Automatics with paddle shifters. Because although I've never driven a car with a paddle shift I still want my manual transmission.

[xpdoggx]

considering most performance cars are going this route and the evo has them i kinda figured it was a matter of time before the sti did.... i dont care how much faster it is its just fun ripping through gears.

[Rallycat66]

The article sounds like this is just a fancy auto-stick configuration on a 5 speed automatic gearbox. Bleh!

As for an STI with a true semi-automatic sequential gearbox (ala VW/Audi DSG, BMW SMG, or the Mitsubishi Sequential Manual - not that CVT based crud in the Lancer/Outlander)? That I'd go for.

[aresbykes]

paddle shift = epic fail.

automatic = lazy mans car
/thread

[MConte05]

paddle shift = epic fail.

automatic = lazy mans car
/thread

Just to stir the pot a bit..... The WRC cars are paddle shift's. :lick:

[Rudukai13]

I thought they were stick? I could've sworn I've seen video of the Subaru teams using stick...

[u3b3rg33k]

I thought they were stick? I could've sworn I've seen video of the Subaru teams using stick...
Some of the SMG setups have a shift "lever" in the position where a manual gearbox has it's lever.

I've driven a couple of bmw Z4's with paddle shifters & SMG gearboxes. They've gotten it to behave pretty well. I'd take one over a slushbox any day (i hate on slushboxes with a passion), but IMO, proper cars have clutch pedals.

[Rudukai13]

I can see how this would be benificial in racing where every fraction of a second counts, but for just regular street driving I would think it would be something that you might use once or twice to show off to your friends but then leave it in the automatic mode. Kinda like how we all played with the DCCD once, but just let the computer handle it now.

[renegade]

blech autobox STi not for me but hey if they want to be more like the EVO then I guess it will help in sales.

[albascoob]

Paddle shift is awesome for driving off-road...

[Rudukai13]

Paddle shift is awesome for driving off-road...

I can see that. I would imagine a clutch is very difficult to use when your bouncing around on a rough road, while paddles would be fairly simple. And it would be safer because your hands never have to come off the wheel.

[wolfman79]

While an auto STi wouldn't be at the top of my wish list a twin clutch style would be. For track and off road use they are tops, and for daily use of dealing with traffic it is infinitely better.

[thad]

I'm all for any manufacturer that wants to take on the daunting task of designing a new SM transmission from the ground up and as far as SMs go, I prefer paddle shifters. But I cannot get on board with a company just gussying up an auto and adding sport shift mode with paddles for a quick marketing gimmick. for a paddle shift STi to work out, they would have to design a new version of the 6MT that was as strong or stronger, which would require a whole lot of development to add the new components while keeping it compact and trying not to overload the front end of a car that posseses an already very heavy gearbox.

[wolfman79]

Well there is always the gearbox that Prodrive was using in the WRC cars. Shouldn't be that difficult to dumb it down a little for the average person.

As for the complaints about the 5AT; I've driven enough cars with various "sport shift" transmissions and Subaru's is towards the top of my list. No that isn't just the Subie homer in me talking either. It really is a very capable setup when compared to the competition. They are well built, handle high power and torque levels rather easily, are rather efficient (compare MPG between 5MT and 4/5AT cars) and tend to show a good balance of smooth versus sporty feel. They respond very well to being rowed through the gears. My Forester and my Bugeye both have the 4EAT and while there are times when I wouldn't mind having a third pedal, there are plenty more times when I am quite happy with my "slushboxes". But for an STi I can't say that I feel that one would be appropriate. A 5/6 speed twin clutch manual with an "Auto" mode would be much better suited to the STi.

[thad]

Well there is always the gearbox that Prodrive was using in the WRC cars. Shouldn't be that difficult to dumb it down a little for the average person.

that gearbox uses a pretty complex pressurized gas system to actuate the gear changes that needs to be constantly recharged and sealed.
given that the WRC rules are least strict in regards to the drivetrain, the gearbox is one of the components that shares the least in common with the road car.

[409industries]

FHI to Introduces the Subaru Impreza WRX STI: A-Line

Note: The Subaru Impreza WRX STi A-Line is only available in Japan at this time.



Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today launches “Subaru Impreza WRX A-Line” which is a new addition to the current WRX STI model. The model goes on sale nationwide through Subaru dealerships today in Japan.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/../images/uploads/article_images/09_FHI_A-line1.jpg
Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the WRX STI A-Line model was developed to offer its distinctive driving performance to a wider range of customers by integrating 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine and 5 Speed Automatic Transmission with SPORTSHIFT*.
In addition, the current WRX STI was given some refinements to enhance comfort and quality feel; 8 way power adjustable front seats and a new body color, “Satin White Pearl”, is now available. *SPORTSHIFT is a registered trademark of Prodrive Ltd.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/../images/uploads/article_images/09_FHI_A-line2.jpg
The model features the exclusively developed 2.5-litre Subaru BOXER turbo engine with SPORTSHIFT* E-5AT, while retaining the basic component such as chassis and body of the WRX STI, Subaru’s performance flagship.
Engine:
* The unique 2.5-litre BOXER engine comes with a single scroll turbocharger and produces a flat torque from the low and mid-rev range to high-rev range.
* Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) was adopted to control continuously valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves, which improves low and mid-range range torque, high-rev range output and environmental friendliness.
* Tumble Generation Valve (TGV) controls the intake air stream to generate high combustion efficiency.
Drive train:
* SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive), that enables the drivers to choose three different engine mappings, is standard.
* Paddle shift is featured to allow manual shifting without requiring the driver to release the steering wheel.
* Downshifting Blipping Control system was adopted. When down-shifting, the automatic transmission control unit interacts with the engine management system and increases engine revolutions instantly and to the exact required setting.
* Changing gears with the paddle shift can also be done by a temporary operation that does not require the selection lever to be set to the manual position.
* VTD (Variable Torque Distribution)-AWD system was adopted to provide excellent stability of the vehicle, which controls the torque distribution ratio between the front and rear axles depending on driving conditions.
* 17-inches ventilated dual piston disk brakes for the front, and 16-inches ventilated disk brakes for the rear were fitted.
* VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) System is standard.
Interior:
* 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat is standard. Leather seats are available as optional and include (front) seat heating. Soft leather door trim with silver stitch is featured.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/../images/uploads/article_images/09_FHI_A-line3.jpg
Major specifications:
* Engine type: Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
* Displacement: 2457 cc
* Maximum output: 221kW (300 PS)/6200 rpm
* Maximum torque: 350 Nm (35.7 kgf·m)/2800～6000 rpm
* Turbo type: Single Scroll turbocharger

[Rudukai13]

Heated seats in an STI :shock: And those paddles actually don't look all that bad...I can see it being especially useful for the Rally guys who don't have the money to install an aftermarket paddle system...

[SoCalBoomer]

ack - hate flappy paddle shifters.

They won't be on WRC after 2010 since S2000 mandates mechanical shifting. :D

As Top Gear repeatedly reminds us - try parking with a flappy paddle shifter. . . it's a PAIN.

Oh well.

[409industries]

As Jeremy has said on a number of occasions...

"The flappy paddle gearbox is complete rubbish!"

[Rudukai13]

As Top Gear repeatedly reminds us - try parking with a flappy paddle shifter. . . it's a PAIN.

Any vehicle worth having paddle shifters on is not a vehicle that you would want to have parked very often.

[u3b3rg33k]

I used to valet, and got to park a few "flappy paddle" cars. It's really not that bad. they do seem to let the clutch in pretty quick though, makes it easy to squeak the tires.

That said, I still prefer a clutch pedal above all else.

[Rudukai13]

I've never driven a car with paddle shifters-can someone explain how gear shifts/shifting into park and reverse/etc. work?

[GCimprezaFTW]

I've never driven a car with paddle shifters-can someone explain how gear shifts/shifting into park and reverse/etc. work?

In the case of the STi type-A, you actually shift the gearshift into park/reverse/drive/sportshift, because it's just an Automatic with the ability to shift the gears manually. Which makes parking it MUCH easier.
On some of the top-o-the line cars (Aston's, Ferrari's etc.) It's a clutchless manual. Meaning, you still shift the gears, and you have to all the time. And there always seems to be some confusing way of putting it in reverse. Like, holding a certain one, or both paddles.
I still prefer a clutch, flappy paddles take the fun out of driving.

[msgsti217]

While we're pretty sure Subaru Japan's PR team made a mistake on the brake specs – listing the front discs at a whopping 17-inches and the rear rotors at 16-inches – if not, the A-Spec has enough stopping power to halt the rotation of the earth.

:lol: :lol:

[u3b3rg33k]

In the case of the STi type-A, you actually shift the gearshift into park/reverse/drive/sportshift, because it's just an Automatic with the ability to shift the gears manually. Which makes parking it MUCH easier.
On some of the top-o-the line cars (Aston's, Ferrari's etc.) It's a clutchless manual. Meaning, you still shift the gears, and you have to all the time. And there always seems to be some confusing way of putting it in reverse. Like, holding a certain one, or both paddles.
I still prefer a clutch, flappy paddles take the fun out of driving.

If I have to drive a slushbox, I much prefer them to have a manual-esque mode. I like being able to go WOT, and not have the car drop two gears because it thinks it's what I want, cause it's not.

BMW has some cars with the dry clutch autos, they often have a stalk with a park button (as well as a "D" mode). but if I have a dry clutch, I want a pedal. I feel more connected to the car if I have direct control over the gearbox.
Not like I need to depress the clutch pedal to shift anyways. Just pull the lever, whack the gas, and slam it into gear.

[Rudukai13]

That sounds complicated...Specifically has anyone driven the Mitsu Evo with the paddle shifters? That's something I would be able to put into perspective.

[wolfman79]

The new Mitsu SST transmission in the Evo's isn't quite as nice as what it could have been. I much prefer VW's like the use in the GTI's. If Subaru could make one similar to that then I would be all over it. It is simple, straight forward, and most importantly it does exactly what it's supposed to.

[Rudukai13]

The one in the VW's is a double-clutch, right? I remember someone explaining that one to me somewhere.